Vilnius University Institutional Repository
Not a member yet
51864 research outputs found
Sort by
Effects of lanthanum (la) compounds on the green algae haematococcus pluvialis.
In recent years, there has been growing interest in rare earth compounds such as lanthanides. Lanthanides play a number of roles in a wide range of fields - including chemistry, biology, medicine and industry. Lanthanide compounds have become an essential part of many modern technologies, but the increased use of these compounds has also led to an increase in their release into the biosphere around us. Lanthanides are considered to be non-essential elements that can cause both positive and negative physiological reactions in living organisms. Unlike heavy metals, whose toxicity has been extensively studied, the effects of lanthanides, and in particular their effects on the aquatic environment related to the exploitation of lanthanides, have not been given sufficient attention so far. Haematococcus pluvialis is a unicellular freshwater green alga of the family Haematococcaceae, which has a distinct biphasic life cycle consisting of a vegetative phase and a dormant phase. During the dormant phase, under stressful conditions, this green alga synthesises the carotenoid astaxanthin, which protects the cell from ROS and sunlight. Astaxanthin is one of the strongest antioxidants and is therefore widely used in agriculture, medicine and biotechnological industry. The synthesis of astaxanthin in H. pluvialis cells is stimulated by stress conditions such as nutrient deficiency, pH, salinity and the presence of heavy metals in the medium. In this work, the effect of combinations of the rare earth element lanthanum, lanthanum nitrate and lanthanum chloride heptahydrate on HpR and HpŽ stage cultures was tested. The effects of different concentrations of lanthanum compounds on different H. pluvialis cultures were evaluated and it was observed that concentrations of lanthanum nitrate higher than 0.1 mol/L induced cell death in the medium, while concentrations lower than 0.05 mol/L induced biomass growth, but reduced astaxanthin synthesis. Concentrations of lanthanum chloride heptahydrate above 0,0027 mol/L were found to negatively affect biomass growth and astaxanthin synthesis in both HpR and HpŽ stages of H. pluvialis cultures
Žaidėjų pasirinkčių ir jų nulemtų pasakojimo pokyčių reprezentacija vaizdo žaidimo tekste ir jos perteikimas vertime: naratyvinio vaizdo žaidimo „Žudiko kredo: „Valhala“ (2020) atvejis.
The subject of video games is innovative and relevant due to ever increasing interest among the players and the constant demand for better quality products. There is a dearth of research on how the narrative structures that are influenced by player choices, especially between English and Polish languages. This thesis aims to investigate how the Polish translation of “Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla” renders the players' possible choices in the game narrative and their consequences on the overall story, with emphasis on the structural, linguistic, and emotional alterations. The tasks set for the thesis were to identify major narrative instances where player choices impact the ending of the main story of the game; to investigate the branching narrative structure of the selected instances; to compare and assess the equivalence of the English and Polish versions of the narrative; The object of the research is the translation of interactive, branching narratives, i.e. the major player choices and their consequences, from English into Polish language The research material for this thesis consists of selected dialogue from the “Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla” (Ubisoft, 2020) video game, in its original English version and its translation into Polish language. The study is conducted through the perspective of theoretical insights found in Translation Studies (including Audiovisual Translation Studies), Narrative Studies and Game Studies. The analysis is qualitative in nature, examining how the dialogic consequences of major player choices are presented linguistically and tonally in the source and target languages of the video game
The perception of compulsory military service and experiences of draft evasion among conscription-age youth.
The aim of this study is to explore how conscription-age Lithuanian youth who avoid Compulsory Military Service (CMS) explain their decision and how they perceive and conceptualize the Lithuanian Armed Forces. The analysis is based on classical sociological and criminological theories – D. Matza's theory of techniques of neutralization, R. Inglehart's theory of value change, the social anomie theories of E. Durkheim and R. Merton, etc. Drawing on these theoretical frameworks, the study argues that the phenomenon of CMS avoidance stems from a mismatch between the value systems of the individuals and the military, as well as from an individualistic orientation among the youth. Due to the incomplete institutionalization of the Conscription Law within the social structure, this phenomenon can be seen as a product of social anomie. The study is structured around three main objectives: to analyze the said theoretical frameworks; to conduct an empirical qualitative research into the perceptions and experiences of young men avoiding CMS; and to interpret the findings through the lens of the selected theories to understand how this avoidance is framed within the sociological-criminological discourse. The empirical data was collected through semi-structured interviews with informants. The interview transcripts were coded and analyzed using the principles of thematic analysis. The results show that youth who avoid CMS justify their decisions primarily through strong personal attitudes – e.g. individualism, careerism – and a predominantly negative perception of the military and service within it. The Conscription Law and the current system for drafting conscripts were also heavily criticized. Although respondents employed techniques of neutralization, they did not perceive themselves as deviants and expressed no feelings of guilt or shame for avoiding service. Consequently, CMS avoidance can be interpreted as a product of social anomie – the Conscription Law remains insufficiently institutionalized within the social structure, and multiple legitimate or tolerated avenues for avoiding service exist, making the perception of CMS as that of not a norm among young people
The adaptation management of professional career beginners in educational organization.
The master's thesis analyses the management of career adaptation processes in educational organizations from both theoretical and practical perspectives. In this study, career beginners refer to teachers, student support specialists, special education teachers, psychologists, speech therapists, or, more broadly, educators and pedagogical staff who work in general education schools or educational institutions for up to two years. The terms career beginners, teachers, student support specialists, special education teachers, psychologists, speech therapists, educators, educational organizations, educational institutions, and schools are used interchangeably in respondents' answers and data summaries. An analysis of statistical sources revealed that over the past five years, the number of career beginners in educational institutions has been increasing, but there has also been a notable dropout from the profession. The study's object is the management of career adaptation for beginners in educational organizations. The aim of the thesis is to reveal the characteristics of career adaptation and its management trends in educational organizations. The research problem posed is how the adaptation process—encompassing economic, social, and personal aspects related to working conditions and career opportunities—is managed. The study examines key questions: what are the experiences of career beginners during adaptation, and what are the trends in managing career adaptation? The research delves into the concept of adaptation, identifying the factors that prevent career beginners from successfully adapting within educational institutions and continuing their chosen career, as well as the challenges and problems associated with adaptation management. Additionally, the role of experienced and well-established educators in managing adaptation within educational organizations is examined, specifically in creating a favourable adaptation environment for newcomers. Adaptation management models and their effectiveness are also discussed. A qualitative study was conducted in general education schools in the Šiauliai district, using two questionnaires: one for school administrators and another for career beginners. The empirical research objective was to reveal the characteristics of career adaptation and the tendencies of its management in educational organizations. To achieve this objective, the following research tasks were set: analyse the concept of adaptation and theoretical models of adaptation management; explore the experiences of career beginners in educational organizations, identifying key problems and challenges; assess adaptation management experiences from the perspective of administrators to ensure effective human resource development in the organization; provide research-based recommendations for more effective career adaptation management. The study sought to identify how career adaptation processes are managed in educational organizations. Adaptation management was identified through an analysis of research data compared to adaptation models discussed in the theoretical framework of the thesis. The findings indicate that the management of career adaptation is a multidimensional process based on various models: individualized, inclusive, 360-degree, and professional development models. Mentorship programs facilitate smoother integration into educational institutions; however, not all educational organizations implement them. Thus, reflective learning, professional development, peer support, and administrative backing are essential factors that help educators overcome challenges, grow, and remain in the profession
Analysis of the professional adaptation of advanced practice nurses in their first year of work.
Justification of the work. The professional adaptation of advanced practice nurses is a critical period in the career of a nursing professional, during which a variety of challenges are encountered, which may lead to job dissatisfaction or even to leaving the profession. Although this phenomenon has been studied in various countries around the world with the aim of improving the integration of advanced practice nurses into the healthcare system, there are no studies on this topic in Lithuania. The aim – to examine the professional adaptation of advanced practice nurses in the first year of practice. The objectives: 1. To investigate the clinical and interpersonal skills of advanced practice nurses that determine their professional adaptation in the first year of work. 2. To identify measures that can improve the professional adaptation of advanced practice nurses. 3. To identify the professional satisfaction of advanced practice nurses in their first year of work. The research method – a qualitative study realised by a systematic analysis of the scientific literature and semi-structured interviews with 12 nurses in the first year of their advanced nursing qualification practice. Interview conducted between March and June, the data processed using inductive content analysis. Results: During the professional adaptation, the advanced practice nurses emphasised the skills of personal health assessment, clinical decision-making, application of theoretical knowledge in practice, and organisation of clinical work, as well as interpersonal skills of cooperation, leadership, and self- confidence. The process of post-occupational adaptation of advanced practice nurses is positively influenced by the openness of the managers of personal health care institutions to innovations in the field of healthcare. The professional satisfaction of advanced practice nurses in their first year of work is enhanced by professional autonomy and recognition, meaningful participation in personal healthcare, broad career prospects, a supportive emotional atmosphere, effective collaboration, and optimal workload. Conclusions: 1. The professional adaptation of advanced practice nurses is determined by a combination of clinical and interpersonal skills. Skills in personal health assessment, clinical decision- making, and the application of theoretical knowledge in practice are complemented by skills in clinical organisation, effective communication, conflict management, and leadership. 2. The smoothness of the professional adaptation of advanced practice nurses depends not only on individual effort, but also on a structured adaptation system that includes managerial involvement in the integration of advanced practice nurses, formal mentoring, and a supportive organisational culture that fosters the availability of material resources, collaboration, and professional development. 3. The professional satisfaction of advanced practice nurses in their first year of work is determined by a complex combination of autonomy, professional recognition, opportunities for development, supportive working conditions, and emotional environment
Implementation of the national immunoprophylaxis program for 2019–2023 and assessment of vaccination coverage.
Introduction. Although vaccination coverage in European countries is high (especially with vaccines in childhood vaccination programs), vaccination coverage is not sufficient in some countries or population groups. The biggest challenges are vaccine mistrust, the spread of misleading information, and “post-pandemic” fatigue. Coordinated efforts are needed to increase vaccination coverage – changing the attitudes in public and health professionals through evidence-based information. Objective. To assess the coverage of the 2012–2022 children's preventive vaccination calendar, adult vaccinations reimbursed by state funds, and the implementation of the 2019–2023 national immunization program. Survey tasks. 1. To conduct an analysis of the coverage of children's and adults’ vaccinations reimbursed by state funds in 2012–2022. 2. To assess the attitudes of healthcare professionals performing vaccinations, the practice of communication about vaccines, and the prevalence of parents' concerns about vaccination safety. Methods. A descriptive-epidemiological analysis was performed to assess vaccination coverage. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted – 207 healthcare professionals were interviewed via an online survey. The obtained categorical data are presented as frequencies, and numerical data – as means and standard deviations, statistical differences were assessed using the Pearson χ2 test. Results. Vaccination according to the children's preventive vaccination calendar by 2009 achieved sufficiently high vaccination coverage (94–99 percent of those vaccinated), allowing to control infectious diseases, however, a decrease in vaccination coverage is currently observed. A survey of healthcare professionals showed that most often parents indicate to them concerns about adverse reactions to vaccines - both local (73.9 percent) and systemic (43.5 percent). When assessing the specialty of healthcare professionals, it was observed that patients more often express this concern to nurses and pediatricians. 4 out of 5 (79.2 percent) respondents often or always feel comfortable answering parents' questions or concerns. In many cases, vaccination is not carried out according to the children's preventive vaccination calendar due to an acute illness - the majority of respondents (70.5%) often or occasionally must deviate from the children's preventive vaccination calendar for this reason. Conclusions: Vaccination coverage with vaccines included in the children's preventive vaccination calendar is decreasing, the result sought by the National Immunoprophylaxis Program for 2019–2023 has been achieved only by vaccinating half of the vaccines included in the children's preventive vaccination calendar of the Republic of Lithuania. Three-quarters of healthcare professionals' parents indicate doubts about local, systemic adverse reactions to vaccines. Although the legal acts provide that information about the vaccination performed must be filled in the eHealth system in each case, almost three-quarters of healthcare professionals always do so. A statistically significant difference was observed between the healthcare professional's attitude towards vaccination and the appointment of additional time for patient consultations - almost two-thirds of respondents with a positive attitude towards vaccination often or always allocate additional time or a separate visit for consultations on immunoprophylaxis. Twice as many specialists working in small personal healthcare institutions never or rarely provide additional consultations, the differences are statistically significant. Healthcare professionals identified the main challenges related to encouraging parents to vaccinate their children, emphasizing parents' negative attitudes towards vaccination, reluctance to communicate or discuss this topic, to listen to recommendations, and failure to attend scheduled doctor visits
Experiences of the perceived value of leaders‘ positive communivation in and educational organisation.
Final Master's thesis topic is "Experiences of the Perceived Value of Leaders’ Positive Communication in an Educational Organisation". Positive communication in an educational organisation is a key factor affecting educational process, the well-being of staff and students, as well as the success of the organisation itself. Its perceived value encompasses psychological, social, organisational and academic aspects. Through the application of targeted strategies, an environment grounded in collabortation and respect can be created, fostering productivity, innovation, and educational quality. Research questions: How is positive communication expressed by leaders in education institutions? How do leaders of educational organisations perceive the value of positive communication? The object of the study is leaders’ perceived value of positive communication. The aim of the study is to uncover leaders’ experiences of the perceived value of positive communication within educational organisations. To achieve this goal, the following objectives were set: 1. To elucidate the concepts of communication, positive communication and perceived value, as well as the theoretical foundations of the significance of these factors for the functioning of an educational organisation. 2. To analyse how leaders of educational organisations express positive communication. 3. To uncover the perceived value of positive communication among leaders of educational organisations. Qualitative research methods of data collection and analysis are used to reveal the experience of the perceived value of positive communication by leaders in an educational organisation. The study follows an interpretive methodological approach, applying an inductive logic of data analysis and adopting a constructionist approach. The study uses qualitative methods for collecting and analysing research data. Data collection methods: analysis of scientific literature, semi-structured interviews with leaders of educational institutions. The method of data analysis: inductive qualitative content analysis. 11 leaders of educational institutions participated in the study. The study found that positive communication in an educational organisation is perceived as a consciously practiced management process based on values, emotional intelligence and respectful relationship with the community, which helps to create a cohesive and communal climate in the organisation, promotes organisational change, and enhances the image of the organisation
Pusiau kietos farmacinės formos su vaistinės žvirbliarūtės žolės ekstraktu gamybos optimizavimas ir kokybinių savybių tyrimas /
Attitudes of emotional support volunteers and psychologists towards individuals sexually interested in children: the role of knowledge and skills.
Sexual violence against children remains a highly sensitive topic worldwide. Although sexual attraction to children does not always lead to criminal behavior, individuals who are sexually interested in children are stigmatized and socially rejected. As a result, such individuals often avoid seeking help, which increases the likelihood of engaging in criminal activities. This study aimed to analyze the attitudes and emotional reactions of specialists – psychologists and volunteers – who provide emotional support towards individuals with sexual interests in children, as well as to discuss their knowledge and skills related to the topic of sexual abuse. The study involved 99 participants (45.5% psychologists and 54.5% volunteers), with an average age of 36 years (SD = 12.05, range 19-66). The respondents completed a questionnaire that included the Attitudes Towards Individuals with Sexual Interests in Children scale (Jahnke, Imhoff & Hoyer, 2015), as well as an instrument assessing emotional reactions, work experience, knowledge, and skills. The results indicate that both psychologists and volunteers critically evaluate their own knowledge and skills, and hold attitudes similar to those of individuals with sexual interests in children. Additionally, stronger feelings of fear and anger, along with more punitive attitudes, are associated with a greater reluctance to work with individuals who have sexual interests in children. The findings of this study can be useful in developing prevention programs aimed at reducing sexual exploitation of children and providing assistance to individuals with sexual interests in children
Evaluation of the factors influencing companies choice of foreign market entry modes.
49 pages, 8 pictures, 18 tables, 60 references. This bachelor’s thesis explores what influences Lithuanian companies when choosing how to enter foreign markets. The main goal is to better understand both internal and external factors that might shape these decisions, such as a company’s resources, international experience, market knowledge, and external conditions like cultural or economic differences. The work is divided into three main parts: a literature review, a quantitative survey, and conclusions with practical suggestions. The theoretical part looks at different market entry strategies and highlights the factors that researchers say often influence companies’ choices. After that, a survey was conducted with 30 Lithuanian companies that already operate in foreign markets. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and Chi-square tests to identify which factors had the biggest impact. The findings showed that some internal factors—like company size, market knowledge, and existing international ties—play a key role in how companies choose to enter new markets. External factors also matter, especially when they relate to the specific challenges of a foreign country. Based on these results, the thesis provides a few useful recommendations for companies that are thinking about expanding abroad. Hopefully, this work will help businesses make smarter decisions when going international and better prepare for the challenges that come with it